Reading the entire Bible is often viewed as daunting, yet it remains one of the most transformative spiritual practices a person can undertake. With 66 books, over 1,100 chapters, and more than 31,000 verses, it is a rich and diverse text spanning history, poetry, prophecy, and teachings that form the foundation of Christianity. But just how long does it take to read the Bible? The answer might surprise you—and encourage you to get started today.
Estimated Time to Read the Bible
Let’s begin with a straightforward answer. When read at an average speed of 200-250 words per minute, the Bible takes approximately 74 hours and 28 minutes to complete.
- Old Testament: ~56 hours
- New Testament: ~18 hours
If that sounds overwhelming, consider this: reading the Bible in a year only requires 12 minutes of daily reading. That’s less time than one episode of a TV show, less than the average social media scroll session, and just enough to build a life-changing habit.
Breaking it down even further:
- Chapters per day: ~4
- Verses per day: ~85
- Words per day: ~3,600
Reading Time by Book and Section
Understanding the breakdown of time by each section helps to set realistic expectations.
Old Testament:
With 39 books, the Old Testament contains historical narratives, laws, wisdom literature, and prophecy. It takes the bulk of the reading time:
- Genesis: 3 hrs 30 min
- Psalms: 5 hrs
- Isaiah: 3 hrs 45 min
- Jeremiah: 4 hrs
- Ezekiel: 3 hrs 40 min
Books like Obadiah, Joel, and Ruth can be read in less than 30 minutes.
New Testament:
The New Testament’s 27 books include the Gospels, epistles, and apocalyptic literature. It’s generally more familiar and quicker to read:
- Matthew: 2 hrs 20 min
- Mark: 1 hr 25 min
- Luke: 2 hrs 25 min
- John: 1 hr 50 min
- Romans: 1 hr
Some epistles, like 2 John, 3 John, and Philemon, take 2–4 minutes each.
Why You Should Read the Whole Bible
Many Christians read select verses or favorite books like the Psalms, Proverbs, or the Gospels. While helpful, this partial approach may miss the full narrative of Scripture. Here’s why reading the entire Bible is essential:
1. Spiritual Growth: Reading all of Scripture deepens faith and builds a solid theological foundation. It invites personal transformation and encourages prayer, reflection, and obedience.
2. Understanding God’s Story: The Bible tells a unified story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Reading from Genesis to Revelation shows how every part of Scripture ultimately points to Jesus.
3. Doctrinal Clarity: Reading only select verses can lead to misunderstanding. The full context is crucial for accurate interpretation and sound doctrine.
4. Personal Relationship With God: Scripture is God’s Word to His people. Reading it fully is an invitation to know Him more intimately.
Bible Reading for Different Audiences
- Beginners: Start with John, Psalms, and Proverbs.
- Children or Teens: Use illustrated or simplified Bibles.
- Skeptics or New Believers: Focus on Romans, Mark, and John.
Comparing Bible Reading to Other Books
To put things in perspective:
- Bible: ~74 hours
- Harry Potter series: ~100 hours
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy: ~60 hours
- War and Peace: ~60 hours
Reading the Bible is more achievable than you might think.
Benefits Beyond Spiritual Growth
- Improves literacy and vocabulary
- Boosts mental health through calm, focus, and reflection
- Enhances historical and cultural insight into Western civilization
Digital vs. Physical Bible Reading
Pros and Cons:
- Apps: Convenient, customizable, with reminders
- E-readers: Portable, adjustable lighting
- Audio Bibles: Ideal for multitasking or learning on the go
- Printed Bibles: Great for deep study and note-taking
Bible Versions and How They Affect Reading Time
- KJV: More poetic but complex
- NIV, NLT, CSB: Easier to understand and quicker to read
- The Message: Paraphrased, fastest for casual readers
Reading the Bible with a Purpose
- Devotionals: Short, daily reflective readings
- Apologetics: Focus on verses that support core beliefs
- Discipleship: Structured growth-oriented plans
- Time-Based Goals: One-year vs 90-day commitments
Obstacles and How to Overcome Them
- Discouragement: Celebrate small wins and stay consistent
- Confusing Passages: Use study guides and commentaries
- Lack of Motivation: Join reading groups or find a partner
- Challenging Books: Supplement Leviticus or Numbers with devotionals
Tracking and Celebrating Milestones
- Use reading apps, progress journals, or printable trackers
- Mark key goals: finishing a book, completing a section, etc.
- Celebrate with small rewards or share progress in a group
Incorporating Bible Reading into Different Lifestyles
- Busy Parents: Read during nap time or before bed
- College Students: Add to your morning or evening routine
- 9-to-5 Professionals: Utilize commutes or lunch breaks
- Retirees: Schedule peaceful study time daily
Common Bible Reading Plans
With various reading plans available, you can choose one that best suits your lifestyle and reading habits.
Canonical Plan: Read through the Bible, starting in Genesis and ending in Revelation. This plan is ideal for those who want a straightforward approach.
Chronological Plan: Read the Bible in the order of historical events. This helps contextualize stories and build a timeline.
Old/New Testament Daily Plan: This plan splits your reading between the Old and New Testaments daily for a balanced intake.
Thematic Plan: Reads Scripture topically—focusing on themes like grace, faith, or prophecy across multiple books.
How to Read the Bible in a Year
The Bible has 1,189 chapters. Dividing this over 365 days equals about 3.26 chapters per day, which you can round up to 4 for simplicity.
Alternate methods include:
- Verse goal: 31,000 verses / 365 = ~85 verses/day
- Time-based goal: ~12–15 minutes/day
By keeping your goals small and consistent, you’ll make steady progress. Choose a plan, stick with it, and make reading God’s Word part of your daily routine.
Tips for Consistent Bible Reading
1. Set a Routine
Choose a consistent time each day—morning, lunch break, or before bed. The best time is the one you’ll stick with.
2. Use an Easy-to-Read Translation
Modern translations, such as the NIV, NLT, or CSB, are faithful to the original text while being easier for contemporary readers to understand.
3. Combine Reading With Prayer
Prayer invites the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding. Ask God to open your heart and mind to His Word.
4. Use a Reading App or Journal
Track your progress using a Bible reading app (YouVersion, Bible Gateway) or write reflections in a journal to internalize what you’ve read.
5. Join a Community
Accountability helps. Join a Bible study group or online community, or partner with a friend for encouragement.
Reading Is Not the Same as Comprehension
It’s important to recognize that reading and understanding the Bible differ. However, comprehension begins with exposure. You’ll begin to see patterns, gain context, and recognize themes by reading consistently.
Supplement your reading with:
- Commentaries
- Study Bibles
- Podcasts or Bible Teachers
- Church sermons
How Long Does It Take to Read If…
Here are some common goals and how much daily reading they require:
| Goal | Time/Day Needed |
| Finish in 1 year | 12–15 minutes/day |
| Finish in 6 months | 25–30 minutes/day |
| Finish in 3 months | 45–50 minutes/day |
| Finish in 1 month | 2.5–3 hours/day |
If you’re pressed for time, consider listening to audio Bibles while commuting or doing chores. Listening at 1.5x speed can significantly reduce reading time.
Sample Reading Time: Fastest and Longest Books
Shortest Books (Under 5 Minutes)
- 3 John: 2 minutes
- 2 John: 2 minutes
- Philemon: 3 minutes
- Jude: 4 minutes
- Obadiah: 4 minutes
Longest Books
- Psalms: 5 hours
- Jeremiah: 4 hours
- Genesis: 3.5 hours
- Ezekiel: 3.5 hours
- Isaiah: 3.75 hours
Reading even one book per week can get you through the Bible in just over a year.
The Power of Scripture
The Bible is more than a book—it’s a divine library. It guides, comforts, challenges, and transforms. Jesus Himself emphasized the authority of Scripture:
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4
“Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” – Luke 24:44
The Old and New Testaments are not separate stories—they’re two halves of the same narrative, both essential for understanding God’s redemptive plan.
Final Thoughts
Reading the Bible cover to cover is not only possible—it’s life-changing. You can complete the most influential book in human history within a year with a small daily time commitment.
To recap:
- It takes about 74.5 hours to read the whole Bible.
- You only need 12 minutes a day to finish it in one year.
- Choose a reading plan that fits your lifestyle.
- Use tools like apps, journals, and communities to stay engaged.
- Always invite God into your reading through prayer.
No matter your pace or plan, the key is consistency. Every word brings you closer to understanding God’s will, growing spiritually, and experiencing lasting transformation.
So, how long does it take to read the Bible?
Not as long as you think—and the rewards are eternal.
Also Read: Biblical Meaning 0f 24 / Bible Guide 2025
Hi! I’m James Whitman, the admin of Bible Pulze. I have a deep passion for sharing the wisdom and teachings of the Bible. Through our website, I aim to make the scriptures more accessible and engaging for everyone. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, guidance, or a deeper understanding of the Bible, I’m here to help you on your spiritual journey.
